Research Studies

Menopause Research Studies

Menopause Working Memory Study

This study focuses on the role that estrogen may play in memory in healthy menopausal women and is funded by the
the National Institute of Mental Health and the Office of Research on Women's Health. The purpose of this study is to look at how estrogen affects memory, emotions, and brain activity in menopausal women. The length of time you'll be on estrogen or placebo (sugar pill) is approximately 3 months. This is also a brain imaging study in which you will participate in 4 fMRI scans; 2 before beginning estrogen or placebo treatment and 2 after starting estrogen or placebo treatment.

PCWBW is looking for menopausal women who meet the following criteria:

Are between the ages of 48-60 and in good health

Have irregular periods or have stopped having a period

Are within 10 years and 11 months of last menstrual period

Are a non-smoker

Are not on any psychiatric medication including antidepressants

Are NOT taking any hormones including birth control pills

You can help researchers at UPenn to learn more about estrogen's effects on mood, memory and attention by being a participant. You may earn up to $1050 if you qualify.

My Memory Study

Women who enter menopause due to surgical removal of their ovaries are at an increased risk for difficulties with executive function. Executive functioning includes cognitive tasks such as decision-making, memory and attention, problem solving, and mental flexibility.

The My Memory study is aiming to recruit otherwise healthy women between the ages of 30-60 who have already undergone surgically induced menopause by oophorectomy or hysterectomy within the past 10 years.

The purpose of this study is to look at the relationship between a drug called Vyvanse® and a placebo pill (sugar pill) on the cognition of women in this group. Study participation includes cognitive testing, non-contrast brain imaging and blood draws.

Women may meet criteria for study participation if they:

Are between 30-60 years old

Went through surgically-induced menopause within the last 10 years

Are currently experiencing cognitive difficulties since going through menopause

Are not currently experiencing depression or anxiety symptoms

Are not alcohol or drug abusers

Do not have implanted metallic devices

Are right-handed

All women who complete study participation will also have the opportunity to meet with one of our study MDs for a consultation regarding stimulant treatment and can receive a personalized treatment plan.

Healthy Mood and Memory Study

Every year thousands of women chose to undergo surgically induced menopause for a variety of reasons. These reasons include pelvic pain, family history of female-specific cancers, and as a result of genetic counseling. While women may expect to experience the “typical” symptoms of menopause (such as hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain), they may not be prepared for the difficulties they could experience related to memory, attention, and mental flexibility.

The Healthy Mood and Memory study is aiming to recruit otherwise healthy women between the ages of 30-60 who are planning to undergo surgically induced menopause by oophorectomy. The purpose of this study is to look at the relationship between a drug called Vyvanse®, the hormone estrogen, and a placebo pill (sugar pill) on the cognition of women before and after oophorectomy.

Are planning to undergo surgically-induced menopause by full hysterectomy or oophorectomy

Are NOT currently experiencing cognitive difficulties

Are not currently experiencing depression or anxiety symptoms

Are not alcohol or drug abusers

Do not have implanted metallic devices

Are right-handed

All women who complete study participation will also have the opportunity to meet with one of our study MDs for a consultation regarding stimulant treatment and can receive a personalized treatment plan.

Participants can be compensated up to $400 for their time.

Please call Claudia for more information today at 215-41-STUDY

Click here to download a brochure for more information about the study.